Portugal Joins Seven EU Nations in European Combat Vessel Frigate Initiative Meeting

European Defence Agency Convenes on Future Frigates

On January 15, 2026, Portugal participated in a significant meeting hosted by the European Defence Agency (EDA), focusing on the development of a new generation of European Combat Vessel (ECV) frigates. The gathering brought together representatives from Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal, alongside key shipbuilders, to deliberate on the design, requirements, and future steps for this ambitious naval project.

The European Combat Vessel Initiative

The European Combat Vessel is envisioned not as a single ship, but as a family of frigates that will share common technologies while allowing for variations in size and configuration to meet specific national and mission needs. This initiative follows a letter of intent signed in late 2024, prompted by the aging fleets, outdated technologies, and increasingly complex maritime environments faced by European navies. The participating Member States aim to have these new frigates ready for service in the 2040s.

The ECV is designed to address a broad spectrum of naval deficiencies, encompassing capabilities from underwater and seabed control to cyber defense, missile defense, and operations involving unmanned and autonomous systems. The vessels are also expected to function as floating command centers, capable of coordinating various assets during operations.

Strategic Importance and Collaborative Vision

Officials underscored the critical need for collaborative development in this project. Luis Calviño, a Spanish naval representative coordinating the development of operational requirements, emphasized that 'It is not realistic to think that a single nation can develop this.' He added that the project would directly support the European Union's security objectives.

Jürgen Scraback, head of the EDA's Maritime Domain Unit, highlighted that the initiative aims to strengthen Europe's maritime security and autonomy while ensuring alignment with NATO standards and targets. He also stressed the importance of early collaboration with the industry to ensure the project's success.

Portugal's Commitment to European Naval Modernization

Portugal's active participation in this EDA meeting signifies its commitment to the collective modernization of European naval capabilities. By joining this collaborative effort, Portugal contributes to shaping the future of European maritime defense and enhancing interoperability among member states' navies, addressing the evolving challenges of the 21st-century maritime domain.